//-------------------------------------------------------// Gifts Of Friendship -by Zanem-Ji- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// The Gift To See Things Differently... //-------------------------------------------------------// The Gift To See Things Differently... Derpy once again had found herself in a bar, drowning herself in various beers. She shouldn’t have been there though. She should’ve been on her way to pick up Dinky from Fluttershy’s house, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so. Was she a bad mother for it? Did she really want her daughter to see her like this? Her job as a mail delivery mare was not a hard one, but she was no longer was walking and flying through Ponyville. Not the way it used to be at least. The once peaceful town had grown into a city. A city where crime ran rampant, bits and sex ruled the streets, and the evil hearts of the ponies that moved here had corrupted or destroyed the previous citizens that lived here before. This was not a place where the Elements of Harmony could so easily shut down the baddies and send them away. No…this was now a place where it was eat or be eaten. Kill or be killed. Lead or follow. Everypony here fought to be on top, and they would get there, no matter the cost. She already had been teased for the way her eyes looked before Ponyville turned rotten. But now, she was considered downright retarded because of her sight. What had she done wrong? Not a fucking thing, but she tried her best to keep her bubbly demeanor. And while on the outside, it seemed like the insults rolled off her shoulders, they didn’t. They stayed, digging and clawing their way through her flesh, leaving a weight that was getting damn near unbearable to carry. She did find reasons however, to not completely lose faith in this wretched city, and one of them was walking towards her right now. A cyan Pegasus slid onto the bar stool next to her and gave her a small frown. “Shy is worried about you. She figured you were working late and didn’t have a problem with keeping Lil’ D for the night.” The pony said in her normal rasped tone. “But I knew I’d find you here. Why do you keep coming to this shit hole?” Derpy rolled her beer around in her hoof, watching the small bubbles fizzle as they swirled around, “Dash, I hate it here. What happened to the good old days, when ponies still cared about one another, despite their…differences?” Dash arched a jet black eyebrow, “Somepony makin’ fun of you at work again?” she turned to her, “You can’t let those idiots get to you. You know you’re not retarded, and I sure as hell know you’re not retarded. So what if your eyes are different? What did you tell Lil’ D when she asked you what was up with your eyes?” Derpy smiled, remembering her motherly response to the curious child, “That one eye was always focused on her, to give her all the love and attention she needed. The other eye was to make sure nothing dangerous came near her.” Dash grinned, “No retard would’ve came up with a respond that cool, and especially not on the spot. Trust me, you’re a special, one-of-a-kind pony, and if these other ponies can’t see that, then fuck them!” she placed a hoof on the grey Pegasus’ shoulder, “You’re not just a special pony, you’re my special friend, Jo.” Derpy blushed at the nickname. She hadn’t heard anything close to her real name in a while, and hearing it always her solidified her friendship with Rainbow just a little bit more. She leaned over and hugged her companion. “You’re the best, Dash. I don’t know what I’d do without a friend like you.” “More like the other way around.” Dash chuckled, “You and Shy make me feel 20% cooler, always.” They laughed and talked, hopping from topic to topic. A couple hours flew by before they knew it, and it was time for them to part ways for the night. “Alright girl, I got a busy day at the weather factory tomorrow, so I gotta go.” She jumped off her stool, "Make sure to get yourself some rest too, and I’ll scoop Lil’ D up from school tomorrow and drop her off.” She started to trot away, “See ya later!” Derpy's gaze followed her all the way out. She felt so lucky to have a friend like her. Somepony who looked at her eyes and saw not a damn thing wrong with them. One of the few ponies who saw and loved her for what was inside. She was content with that, and decided to put her unfinished beer down. She slid off her stool and made her way out the bar. Two shady looking unicorns, one with charcoal colored fur, and the other dusty grey, had been eyeing her the whole time. Now would be their time to strike. -MLP- Derpy was slowly making her way home. She loved the crisp cool air on her face, and the way it tousled her feathers. She suddenly froze. Something didn’t feel right. Was it the beer starting to take effect? Her coat bristled up. No…something was wrong. She was in danger. She spread her wings and leapt. But before she could get high enough, a muscular form slammed into her, knocking her from the sky. She landed on her side heavily, and before she could inhale, a black hoof was pressed to her throat. She looked up to see a black unicorn stallion was over her, and grinning with an evil smile that many ponies wore in these new times. He leaned in close. He reeked of alcohol and smoke. “Wassup Boggle Eyes?” the stallion said raspily, his breath hot and sour. “I’ve seen you all over this city. I guess you could say I’ve been ‘eyeing’ you for a while.” The grey stallion chuckled, “Funny. That shit’s funny.” He looked at his companion. “Aye, can I get her first dude? Since, ya know, you got the last one?” The black one rubbed his chin, “Yeah, I guess so.” He raised his hoof, and quickly flipped her onto her stomach. She started to get up. To try to get away. But a heavy hoof met the back of her head, bringing instant pain, and instant tears. “Don’t know where you thought you were going, but I’m gonna cancel that.” The black stallion got in front of her, and pinned her hooves down. “You see, me and my buddy have a theory about you. There’s no way a mare like you has gotten much, if any, seeing as your eyes are so fucked up.” The grey one continued, “But we don’t care about your face. Oh no, not at all. Freaky or not, you still got a pussy, and that’s all that matters. And yours, must be tight as hell!” He placed his tip at the edge of her slit, bringing forth a sob of fear and hurt. Please, do not let the gods be willing of this atrocious act. She would take all the insults the world had to offer, to spare her from what she knew would be a pain so deep and scarring, that she may never recover from it. “I would say I’d fuck you till you’re eyes went cross, but it looks like that’s already happened. So…I’m just going to fuck you.” With that, he slammed into her. So deep, so rough, that it felt like her intestines were being punched from the inside. She cried hard as her chest slid across the rough ground. He was too far inside of her. Things in her were moving that shouldn’t have. She begged him to stop, but it only made him go harder. In. What she done to deserve this? Out. Why was the world so cruel to her? In. All because of her eyes… Out. Nopony deserved this. In. Not even the ones doing this to her. Out. She needed somepony. In. Somepony who would stop this. Out. A pony who was not corrupted by this darkened city. In. She knew who could stop this. Out. And she knew who could stop it now. In. And so she screamed. “RAINBOW DASH!!!” she screamed, long and loud, as the grey unicorn’s hot vileness poured into her. He laughed and kept going, knowing nopony would care enough to answer her cries. She kept screaming. Screamed until she felt her throat go raw. Screamed until it came out as a barely audible croak. And it was then, that she felt a power so great, that the tears continued to flow. But this time, they were not a pain, but of relief. She felt sudden safety. The black unicorn jumped back as he watched the grey one’s head get violently turned in one direction, and his body slid across the dirt. Through the watery veil over her eyes, Derpy could see light blue wings spread over her. Shielding her from the two Unicorns. She wiped her eyes and looked over at the grey stallion. Judging by the oddness of the angle in his neck, and his unmoving body… It was down to one Unicorn. “I don’t know, and I don’t care, who the fuck you are…” Rainbow said in a dangerous growl, “But you’re going to pay for what you did to her.” The black one scoffed, “Just because that idiot wasn’t able to handle you, doesn’t mean I can’t.” he smirked, “Now I don’t have to share when I get a piece of her and you.” With the comment adding more fuel to the raging fire, Rainbow launched herself at the stallion. Before having time to react, she jammed a hoof into his cheek. An audible pop rang out and she felt her hoof dig a little bit too deep and the bone crumple in around her wrist. He staggered back, but didn’t seem fazed. He took his horn and stabbed her in the flesh between her shoulder and her neck. Pain flared through her as she fell back a little bit. He smiled and jabbed again, but she was able to block it. She kicked his foreleg, causing it to snap at the joint. The unicorn roared in pain, and shot a powerful beam at her. It blasted through her wing, searing the flesh and feathers to ash. She screamed, her tattered wing flailing uselessly. His hoof connected with the side of her head, and she traded him a hoof to the snout. Punch after punch, kick after kick, Bloody blow after agonizing blow, they beat each other into the dirt. Derpy, too injured to move or think right, could only watch. It took a turn for the unspeakable when the black pony jammed his horn into the side of Rainbows neck, tearing away to reveal muscle and thick, cord-like veins. Her irises pinpricked in surprise as warm lifeblood spurted from her neck. She blinked a few times and stumbled to the side before looking over at Derpy, whose screams of terror came out as squeaks even softer than Fluttershy’s. She closed her eyes, and summoned her Element from deep within. The red lightning bolt crystal hovered in front of her as she began to say a spell. “Sprit of Loyalty, and living guide to bonds close knitted, Shine bright with your light that blinds the wicked. Bring forth your power, to make this right. And as one last deed, remove her from evil’s sight.” The small jewel zoomed over to Derpy and sent her into a world of warm loving light that ended all too quickly with sudden blackness… -MLP- Derpy jumped up with a start, only to feel pins prick at her forelegs. She looked down. Although her vision was blurred, she could tell where she was by the strong scent of sterility produced from using a vast amount of cleaning supplies, and a continuous beeping of what she could strongly assume was a heart monitor. She was in a hospital. A purple hoof touched hers. She looked up to see five blurry bearers of the Elements of Harmony surrounding her bed. Her vision cleared a tad bit more. Each mare was spilling tears from their eyes. But why? Sure, she suffered badly, but she was alive, and she could tell they were not tears of relief or joy. Wait… Five. Why was there only five of them, when they were the Mane Six? Where was Rainbow Dash? The question must’ve been etched on her face, because Fluttershy answered her, “They did all that they could, Derpy…but it was-” she choked. “It was too late. She died within an hour of getting here.” Died… “They were surprised that she had even made it to the hospital.” Rarity spoke softly. “She’s gone, Darling…” Gone… “She passed on quietly though,” Applejack said with a sad Southern Drawl, “She didn’t look like she was any kinda pain…” Passed on… “Dashie’s dead…” Pinkie whispered hysterically. “Nonono…Dashie’s dead. Dashie’s dead dead DEAD DEAD DEAD…” Dead… The words smacked the physical pain away, but sent her mind and heart into an emotional state of turmoil. The pain she felt inside was all too real. More painful than anything ever said before. More disgusting and foul to her than what she had just endured. And because of that, she cried. A cry that was snatched from deep within. That lubricated her dry and tired throat, and filled the world around her with sorrow and despair. Her closest friend, snatched away from her by the city that she so desperately wished to return back to the ways of before. The others held her, doing all they could to comfort her and each other. They held each other until the sobbing had died down to soft sniffles and whimpers. Twilight was the first to pick up the pieces of her shattered composure. She had something she needed to do, and it needed to be done now. “Derpy…” she said in a crackly voice. “Look at me.” Derpy looked at her, blinking rapidly to try and clear her field of view. Blurred colors turned to three solid figures of dark lavender, then into two. Finally, a single Twilight Sparkle stood before. She was so crisp and clear, that it took the Pegasus a minute to realize something. She had never seen this well before. Not ever in her life. What the hell was going on? Twilight used her magic to hand her a letter, “This was something Rainbow wrote for you a long time ago. She told me not to give it to you until she…” she blinked back a few tears, “Here.” Derpy took the letter into her hooves. She delicately tore the snow white envelope and took out a pale rainbow colored letter. She began to read it softly, “Dear *Joleigh, There’s something about you that you’ve never seemed to realize. You are an amazing pony. One of a kind. And it’s not because of your eyes. It’s the soul shines bright in you. When the world turns to chaos, you have managed to see the good that was left in it. Even ponies like us, the carriers of the Element of Harmony, could not see the silver lining, could manage to keep the positivity around, while it simply flows through you. Do you think you earned your cutie mark because of the way you look? No. To me, those bubbles don’t mean you’re goofy. I think they have damn near everything to do with that bubbly personality of yours. I know your mom knew that before your cutie mark ever appeared, and your name definitely fits you. And now, you’re going to have to reach deep within, and see that even though I am now gone, that it will be okay. To do what you do best, and see the positive thing that will come from me being gone. I know you will be, because I damn sure hope so. I have always hoped and wished the best for you. You’re like the sister I never got to have… There is something that you have wanted though, and I now have the opportunity to give it to you, though I won’t actually be able to do so myself. A gift that hopefully will remind you, even though I am gone, I will always be with you… Love, The Awesome Rainbow Dash…” She felt a small rectangle inside the envelope, and took it out. When she looked at it, she was filled with love and joy and sorrow and excitement, and so many other emotions that flowed from her heart. It was a mirror… And in that small piece of reflective glass, were a pair of dark magenta eyes looking back at her. She could feel tears stinging at her eyes, and they got stronger as the eyes in the mirror started to fill with tears as well. She let out another sob, as the other mares held her once again. No words needed to be spoken. The Loyal Pegasus had given her a chance to be normal in this world. She felt the need to get up. She was going to get out of this bed. The others felt her inner strength and released her. “They haven’t…taken her away yet, in case you wanted to say goodbye…” Twilight said softly. “They will have to soon though. It’s been hours, and it’s not fair to not lay her to rest.” Derpy nodded and moved her legs. Pain ripped through her lower abdomen as she did though. Applejack and Fluttershy threw themselves under each foreleg to help her stand. Rarity pulled back the curtain that had cut the room in half. In the bed, lay Rainbow Dash. Her body beaten and battered, but not destroyed. She didn’t look like she had gotten into a fatal fight, but had looked like she crashed the wrong way in one of her crazy stunts. She looked like she was simply enjoying a peaceful nap. But as Derpy stared at the white strip of cloth over where her eyes used to be, and saw no sign of breathing, she knew otherwise. The other two ponies gently placed her in a chair next to Rainbow. She placed a hoof on hers. It was cold… “I just don’t know what went wrong…” she said in a tired voice, “And it’s not fair what happened to you, and especially with that maniac running loose-” “He’s not loose.” Pinkie said in a dead tone. Derpy looked over at her, “What?” “He’s not loose.” Pinkie repeated. “He’s not even alive anymore. He may have been crazy," A small, dark smile appeared on her face, "but nopony is crazier than me…” Derpy’s eyes widen at the thought of the unspeakable horrors that the pink pony had done to him. “The princesses averted their eyes tah tend tah…other things.” Applejack fished for the right words. “With that bein’ said, he got what was comin' tah him, that’s fer sure…” Derpy slowly nodded before turning back to Dash, “I stand corrected. Karma ran it’s course on him. But…” she slowly rubbed the hoof beneath hers, “I don’t really know what to say. You’ve given me more than anypony has ever given me, and I thank you for giving me a gift that keeps on giving. Thank you so much, Rainbow Dash. Our friendship is strong, and even though you are far away…we will meet again someday…” She would never be able to repay Dash for the gift she had received. But she knew the pony wouldn’t have wanted her to get her anything. She was going to do what she really would’ve wanted. She was going to live her life. Move on and do bigger and better things. She smiled at the peaceful looking Pegasus. Her smile quickly disappeared and she blinked a few times. Maybe these new eyes were deceiving her, but she could’ve sworn she saw a small cheesy grin appear on the light blue Pegasus’ lips… Author's Note First off, Rape is no matter to be taken lightly. It took alot of thinking before typing this story out, and even more to put it publicly, and not just scrap it. This piece was not meant to offend anyone, and if it does, I am truly sorry, as it was not my intention. Joleigh is a French Girl Name. It's meanings range from bubbly, to happy, to carefree, and happy-go-lucky. In this story, I wanted her bubble cutie mark to represent a bubbly personality, so carefree, and not for her being a goofy idiot. Derpy was simply a name she earned due to her eyes, but being such close friends with Dash, she was one of the few to know Derpy's actual name, hence the reason Rainbow Dash called her 'Jo', and then her 'actual' name. Comment and Rate It. Love It or Hate It. //-------------------------------------------------------// The Gift To Start Life Anew... //-------------------------------------------------------// The Gift To Start Life Anew... It had been 11 months since that night of terror had happened to Derpy. 11 months since Dash had laid down her life to save her, and given the grey mare perfect sight, with a chance to start a better life. It had also been 11 months since she’d found out she had been impregnated by her attacker… At first, she was mortified. Pregnant? She simply was not ready for another foal. She wasn’t sure if she’d EVER be ready again. Abortion was suggested to her by Rarity and Applejack, but she shot down that option with an angry force. She wasn’t the Almighty Pony in the sky. Granted, she could carry life, but she felt that the process of making one was a miracle, something that she couldn’t do. It was not this little one’s fault how it came to be, and she had no right to take the chance to live away. She did however, not want this foal to look like the father. For some reason, in this day and age, the children would spark an uncanny resemblance to their fathers. So, she went to Princess Twilight Sparkle for assistance. “While I’m not able to create life, I am however able to change the course of it.” Derpy’s eyes watered, “As long as you can do anything to make sure this little one doesn’t look like it’s horrible father.” She looked away, “I have nothing against my foal…but the pain is still too great.” Twilight nodded in understanding, “I can assure you, they will look nothing like him. However…” she smirked, “Even I will not know what this young one will look like.” her eyes started to glow as did her hoof as she placed it on Derpy’s stomach. The touch was warm and soothing. “A little bit of magic…blended with the pure, never-ending love of a mother, will decide the foal’s appearance.” Derpy was snatched from her flashback as pain surged through her. Why in the name of the Princesses did she choose a natural, medicine-free birth? “Sweet horsechips, ya got one hell of a grip, girl!!!” Applejack squeaked out. Derpy released her vicegrip on the Earth Pony’s hoof. She didn’t even realized she had grabbed it. The pain flared through her again. She grabbed Rarity’s shoulders and brought her close. The white Unicorn’s face scrunched up. “My word, this is most unbecoming of a lady-” “Get it out….NOW!!” "-But I am more than willing to let this act slide!” Fluttershy cupped Derpy’s cheeks and turned her head so their muzzles met. “Look at me,” the canary colored Pegasus commanded. Derpy turned to her. “Breathe in, push, breathe out.” Fluttershy spoke softly. Derpy followed her commands slowly, then repeated them. She continued this process, hearing nothing but the steady beating of her heart. And then it came. Pain that rocked her world and sent it to new levels. She let out a final scream, her world spiraling to black. -MLP- She woke up, alone. Why was she in her hospital room alone? What had happened to her friends? She panicked and rapidly pressed the 'nurse call' button. Nurse RedHeart trotted in. “You’re finally awake!” she said in a cheerful tone. “Where is my foal? Where are my friends?” RedHeart smiled, “Your daughter is in the nursery-” ...Did she say 'daughter'?... “-ends are in the waiting room. We wanted to wait until you were awake to bring all of them in. I’ll go call for them and bring your daughter in now.” She stepped out of the room to go and get the others. The Mane Five quickly found their places to stand in the room. “Darling, you did fabulously…” Rarity said with a soft smile. “Not a single problem! Although...” Pinkie looked over at Applejack's slightly bruised eye. “Her face isn’t totally okie-dokey-lokey.” Derpy gasped, “I did that?!” “That last bit of hurtin’ sent ya in a whirl,” Applejack started to explain, “Not only do ya got grip, but ya got a powerful upperhoof punch. Ah'd hate tah tangle with ya." She chuckled, “But worry about me none. Ah’m fine.” Derpy’s ears drooped, “I’m still really sorry…” “It’s fine, Sugarcube.” Fluttershy pulled Derpy into a hug and leaned into her ear, “You’re amazing, Jo.” She whispered softly, “We are all so proud of you. I know Dashie would be too…” Derpy smiled to the point of it hurting, “Thank you, for that…” Nurse RedHeart walked back into the room, a wadded ball of what appeared to be cloth on her back, “She was very cold for some reason…” RedHeart said. “Her body temperature was 20% cooler than it should’ve been, but a few blankets around her, and she was fine.” She stepped closer to Derpy, “Here is your little wonder, Ms. Joleigh.” Derpy took the bundle into her forelegs and cradled it. The only thing visible were the foal’s sleeping eyes. Derpy looked up at RedHeart. “Is it safe to unwrap her?” RedHeart nodded and smiled, then took her leave from the room. Derpy looked back down and slowly unwrapped the blankets. She could finally see the little one’s furry muzzle. Derpy smiled as she took note that her coat was almost the same color as the Pegasus who bore the Element of Loyalty. She pulled the little bit of cloth left covering her daughter’s head. Everypony gasped in utter shock. Her mane consisted of the rainbow. The tears instantly sprung forth as she continued unwrapping the foal. Her tail matched her mane. She ran her hoof through the prismatic mane as the tiny filly started to tremble before stretching. Her little wings fluttered as she let out a yawn. Her eyes flickered open and she looked up at her mother. Cerise orbs that had flecks of wheat-gold within them, reminding Derpy of her old eyes. The filly smacked her lips and smiled, reaching up for the grey Pegasus. Derpy let out a happy sob and held her close. Twilight stepped closer, catching the foal’s attention. The child cooed and reached out a hoof to her. Twilight smiled and let the hoof touch her muzzle. “Hello there little one, and welcome to Ponyville…” she spoke softly. “We were all very anxious to finally meet you.” The others scooted closer as she continued, each placing a hoof on her tiny body. “This world is big and dangerous, and it's going to seem scary. But don't worry, we will keep you safe.” She gently ruffled the filly’s mane, much to her delight. “You come into this world with a loving mother and aunts. And, as you get older, you will find good friends to stand by your side. I know you will be a strong one, for you will forever be carrying the blessings of the Princesses of the Sun, the Moon, of Love, and of Magic." A giggle from the foal made her smile grow. "So welcome, child of Joleigh. Welcome to the world-” she stopped and looked up at the filly’s mother. The others turned to her too, all asking the silent question of what Derpy was going to name her daughter. The flying pony looked down at her filly, eyes locking with the beautiful and curious orbs. The filly smiled a cheeky, toothless grin that only made Derpy solidify the thought of what she was about to name her, “Welcome to the world, my little Rainbow Dash…”